More FABULOUNESS with Sheenas new Launch

Hi Guys , sooo... are you ready for the shows on the 11th December!! eeek i'm so bloomin excited! you are going to LOVE what Sheena is bringing you, and i'm thrilled to bits to be joining the Inkoids on this , so i have showed you a few samples to whet your appetite and now to share with you the rest of my samples

so first up Highland Dinner! a fabulous rubber stamp, that stamps with such beautiful detail!!l coloured up with my spectrum noir pens, popped a sentiment above, also one of Sheena's new stamps, now I've chosen to make a big tag with mine, but check out the rest of the DT samples as they have made some gorgeous stuff with this one! 

Castle Ruins next, this one is beautiful, i chose a warm summer fresh day for my colours, but would love to try this as a night scene in blues and rich purples, add a bit of atmosphere!, fabulous!

now for a SPOOKY scene! I stamped my spooky tree first and covered up with drawing gum, then set to work creating a dark and mysterious background! i used a black Aquatint to simply darken some of the colours from the bright and beautiful Aquatints set, then added clouds using Sheena's cloud stencil and some hills in the background with the "As the land lies" stencil, i decided a fence was needed, so used the "landscape stencil next, flipped the stencil over to create the right side fence, then a fine fine pen for any extra definition. ...time to rub out the drawing gum! it worked! this stuff always amazes me. but because my background was so dark, i opted to keep my tree white, why?, 

just because i can :)

lastly the wolf stamp! this was me playing from start to finish! i had no idea where i was going or if i would use the image to make a card. i just wanted to play around so i did, and this is whats great with all these products, no right or wrong way to use them, just play and create YOUR own art work. i stamped my wolf, coloured him with Aquatints, i didn't have a brown so made one up! the colours blend and mix beautifully together. mmmm but where next, so i just randomly starting flicking black around his face, and thought..ooh hello, i like that! so i flicked some gorgeous juicy raspberry colour next, so easy and simple!, liked it so much i created a simple background in the same way

so are you ready for the shows!? check out Sheena's facebook page right  HEREto see a bit more! And don't forget the show times, its a ONE DAY WONDER so don't miss out :)...

11th December 8am, 11am, 2pm, 4pm, 7pm!

catch you soon!

Nix

xxx

Sheena Douglas One Day Wonder 11th December

Well good evening you crafty lot!!,

  and do I have some FABULOUS news for you! well..... fabulous for me too! so last week, I spoke to the OMG amazinglytalented draw dropping sensation that is the one and only....drum roll please SHEENA DOUGLAS!!! .........................................................................................................................................................................................................

.............................................................( me being speechless!...ANY one who knows me...knows this DOESN'T happen!)

I haven't been that excited in a long time, and was smiling like a Cheshire cat for the rest of the afternoon!

 Sheena has a fabulous one day wonder this week, 11th December on Create and Craft with some totally amazing new products, stamps and stencils, and I was asked if I would like to hang out with the brilliant "Inkoids" and help with some samples! err YES please! Now these girls on this DT turn out some amazing work, if you have Sheena's products then you know the quality, just beautiful beautiful! so the pressure was on!!

 I'm a newbie to using stencils,  I have to say my first try was using some of Sheena's last stencils released and they are on my blog I LOVED working with them, and that's when I got the bug , I cant wait to get inking stamping, and digging deep into the pot of working with mixed media! but its a learning curve, right!? part of the fun, and if I can learn it then anyone can, so, I will stop waffling and share with you a sneaky peek of the gorgeous new products that will be winging there way to you...

be gentle with me guys , remember I'm learning lol, so here i have used a new stamp with Red Riding hood on! , the most fabulous tree stamp, and 3 of the new stencils being launched, that depict, landscapes, trees and  clouds...AMAZING! The top one I used the tree stamp, to stamp at different angles around my image, popped the image of Red in the centre, coloured up with my spectrum noir pens and then added lashings of distress inks to create some spooky atmosphere! I have to say you wouldn't catch me walking through there! and number 2, well..... this was a work in progress as it was my first time using a stencil to create a landscape... well any landscape actually lol, i thought i had lost it at one point and it nearly headed in the bin! but i ploughed through and persevered, got covered in more ink ( was fab!)  and kept working it! I had the best couple of hours ! honestly i kept thinking what i hear Sheena say on telly...its just a piece of card! it can be quite scary when your throwing lots of colours at it, but it was great fun! This one i coloured in Aquatints and then used distress inks to define my landscape.

now for a SPLASH OF COLOUR!

Here i have used the most luscious of lush colours!! Aquatints Bright and Beautiful!....and they are definitely that!, there was a stamp of just two Wolf eyes, and i just loved it, didn't want to use anything else, just that and my Aquatints, 

Simply by wetting some watercolour colour card then adding droplets of juicy colours i created the most amazing background

a touch of gold frantage to the corners, and using one of Sheena's sentiments that come with the stamp...voila! quick, simple and FUN!

right, the shows! Create and Craft 11th of December, show times 8am, 11am, 2pm, 4pm and 7pm

get yourself a lovely cuppa and get your feet up ready, and watch Sheena bring you some dazzling new products! 

I will be showing the rest of my samples tomorrow! the Highland Cow is just superb!!!

thank you for dropping by!! would love to now what you think!

Crafty hugs

Nicole 

xxx

The Best Of La Pashe 2014

good evening crafters!! well I'm on meltdown!!!! eek operation finish my Christmas cards is under way and..hey!...who needs sleep right? i mean its probably overrated anyways..zzzzzzz....zzzz oops! sorry where was i?! lol any one else out there crazy busy this time of year? I'm sure I'm not alone, us crafters are part nocturnal anyway so all good! right ...who's brought the brand spanking new CD ROM from La Pashe?? The Best Of La Pashe 2014 that you can just so happen to pick up right over ...HERE!!

its just too fabulous!! oh my days I'm loving it, and to be fair i LOVE them all so i knew this one would be totes amazeballs too!

now as you know I'm one lucky little crafter and I'm totally lucky enough to be on the Design Team, and had the great pleasure of making some samples! where to start! ...what to choose! spoilt for choice! but first off I had a play with the brand new range "The Grumps"!

you are gonna adore these decoupage sheets guys! i have seen sooooooo many people i know in these images! and don't get me started on the Christmas Grumps! ( you will have to wait for those tho as they are at this minute cut up on my desk! ) 

OK here is my first card to share with you, do you know any gardeners out there who remind you a little teeny tiny bit of the good old Victor Meldew? ha ha well keep that thought in mind!

how funny! come on,... you MUST know someone this reminds you off!? or maybe a gardener who perhaps hates to garden but is nagged to do it..ooooh that may be my husband there!? La Pashe do give you every different style you could think of! and here is another collection to add to your favourites!

right then back to Christmas!

back soon

and as always thank you thank you thank you!!!!! for stopping by my little blog

Nicole

xxx

Crafters Companion Bebunni Floral

Good evening crafters!! well what a week!! i feel i have neglected my blog of late ( shakes head ) I've had such a busy couple of weeks, lots of things going on at work...all good!.. training to fit in..also good! and ...dun dun dun...CHRISTMAS CRAFTING !!! AAARRRRHHH...and breathe... this topped with the horrid cold i now have a busy Design Team Schedule and a wedding order for the lovely Clarie who is getting married on the 28th of December..I've been a tad preoccupied...( did i mention my Christmas card stall on the 2nd of December too!) phew i have no idea how i fit the day job in!! so today i printed off a planner to get me back on track! all i need to do is fill it in mmmm. 

ANYWAY on to crafting!! Its been an exciting week over at Crafters companion with the fabulous launch of the cutest little Bunni, in the amazing new addition to the Bebunni range with "Bebunni Floral" guys and gals if you love and adore Bebunni like we do, trust me you need to add this CD ROM to your collection! the images are just beautiful with the softest of colour pallettes, which i hasten to add i LOVE for 2 reason as a CD crafter

1.  they are just totally yummyiressitablygorgeous
2. THEY DONT TAKE MUCH INK TO PRINT! yay bonus!!!

as an avid cd'aholic ( yes this is a word ) one of my most expensive layouts is ink! so i like to be frugal! if i don't need to print it i don't and this is one of the reasons i like to import my images into a graphic programme, so i can only print what i need for the project I'm doing. i LOVE LOVE LOVE my printer ( i have a canon A3 pixma ix6550) and obviously as a CD crafter without it...well...i couldn't craft! so i only buy original inks, pricey but good!, now don't all shout at the screen lol i know there are some amazing compatibles out there and I'm not knocking any of them its just a personal choice, ive had my little beauty break on me once and at £169 not something you want to replace! but it was exchanged so quibble for brand new! had i put in compatibles, it would have been sorry..go buy a new one lol,

right...I'm digressing lol where was i? oh yes ...BEBUNNI! so did you all carch the shows on Create and Craft this week? not only was there amazing deals to be snapped up, alongside the arrival of the new addition to the Bebunni family Crafters Companion have simply out done themselves by bringing out a range of Bebunni dies too!! for this launch i made 10 samples, now when me and the girls get our allocation, we have to be quite specific on what sections of the cdrom or stamps we are using so our wonderful DT leader Fiona gets us all organised with what and who needs to make what lol ( she does a fabulous job!!thanks Fiona!!) so here are my 10 makes for you, 6 from the CD and 4 using the stamps

 

first off a cute little stamped image coloured on CC Neenah white card, coloured with spectrum noir pens and pencils, base made using cc Kraft card ( love this stuff!) ,

and below how about using your dies to create a cute small shaped card? here Ive used the Die'sire die Elegance stamping frame to do just that and coloured up little bebunni for a lovely Good luck card.

her again another shaped card, this time using the Die'sire Chantilly lace die, coloured up bebunni and popped him..or her lol in place! supe4r cute and super fast too! 

 

here Ive tried CC desert storm to colour on for a change, you do get a completely different feel, feels very vintage , i like!

 

now onto the CD ROM, I'm not going to waffle ..oops maybe too late!, all 6 cards here are made using the wonderful collection from the CD, buy it and see!

so there you go! all 10 of my deign team makes for you. As soon as i have finished ploughing through my long list of Christmas cards i am really looking forward to having a good play with this collection!

thank you so very much for stopping by, and reading my quite looooooong post this evening!!

i will be back very soon with more!

millions of crafty hugs

Nicole

xxxx

Time To HOP! at JustInklined

Good morning crafters!! The beginning of November sees a new HOP over at Just Inklined

This month we are using the theme of "Christmas" I've used a fabulous little digi called Fir Balls that you can pick up just ...HERE!

and made a lovely tag, ready to pop onto a nice bottle of wine I will be sending to neighbours this Christmas. 

Super quick and easy to colour so its Fab for those last minute Christmas cards too, and with a little more time i think this one would be a nice one to print a couple of times and 3d the baubles!,

Right on to the hop! You will have hopped over to me from from super talented DT teamie 

Dawn

and so i will send you hopping on over to our fabulous Shop just here! so you can take a peek at the other gorgeous Christmas digis we have for you!,

Don't forget guys we always have a spot prize too so leave a comment on both mine and Dawns post and we will both be choosing someone to win the digi we have used.!

keep your eyes peeled too over on our facebook page and blog! we don't intend to be a team of 2 for too much longer!

thanks for joining us this month!

love n hugs

Nicole

xxx

Aqua Tint Samples For Crafters Companion

Good evening crafters!! well ....a few weeks ago I had the absolute pleasure of receiving a set of the totally FABULOUS Aquatints from Crafters Companion to make some samples!! I was soooooooo excited!! Some fabulous Sheena Douglas stencils too and a lovely little pot of Drawing Gum, Well you can imagine how excited I was to received this parcel! I couldn't wait to tear into it to see what goodies I had, My Aquatints were the Pastel collection...oh...my.....beautiful beautiful colours!!

Now I must admit, I love to paint and draw so I couldn't wait to try these out, but, I have never used a stencil or drawing gum before.. so i was a little aprehensive!, 

I had the BEST afternoon in such a long time, got totally covered in ink, made a lovely mess ( remember i did say i've never used a stencil!) and came up with these...

 for this first one I used my pastel aquatints, and the Sheena stencil Eiffel Tower. drawing gum and a white pen. I decided to make a couple of my samples up into calendars for a change from cards. I printed a sentiment - both on water colour card, and used my aquatints to match up with the back ground. I really cant begin to tell you how easy this medium is to use, they blend together effortlessly!

 Next up I used the stencil Beach Huts, here I used a lot more of the drawing gum, this stuffs ACE! you simply paint in on where you want the white to remain, let it dry....paint, ink or whichever you are doing then simply rub the drawing gum away! genius stuff! I then decided on a little spray of Spray and Sparkle- Pearl Diamond in the sky

 now to try something different!, Taking one of my very cute Bebunni christmas stamps, I stamped the image using a Clear Versamark ink pad, then used a white embossing powder over the top, ...blast with the heat gun, and created a white stamped image, then using my Aquatints I simply used them the same as water colour paints stright from the pots, so EASY! for the background I embossed a piece of water colour card with Embossalicious folder Vintage Holly, and simply painted on my colours which blended PERFECTLY

 for my next two...( I was enjoying using my paint brushes by now!) I chose two digi images that you can find on the Spectrum Noir DVD, a Gold fish and a lIlly, I printed both onto watercolour card  as feint as I could, so you could just make out the outline, coloured in with my Aquatints, and then taking a fine line black pen, I sketched over the top

 I love the look of these two with the pen over the top!

and finally a little wall hanging. here I used the stencil Paris Springtime. I wasnt sure where I was going with this one when I started, but I just went with it!! these colours are beautiful! A lovely sentiment that I printed out and coloured up to match the background and finally using my black fine line pen, a few sketch lines over the top.

I really can't wait to collect the rest of the sets! I neeeeeeed them all!, I was amazed by how easily I achieved such smooth blends, you guys need to trust me and treat your self to these ! oooh and it's birthday week this week over at Crafters Companion, so why not check out the fantastic deals they have!! I will be!

Thanks for stopping by to check out my post

Crafty hugs

Nicole

xxx

Time to HOP over at JUST INKLINED!

Good morning crafters!!! its that time again..... to HOP over at 

This month we have the well timed theme of....

 HALLOWEEN!

I have chosewn a digi called " Pumpkins Three"  you can pick it up in store now just over ...HERE!

I decided for this project to make me a lovely new bookmark!, I adore my fabulous collection of horror books, and I have around 350 on my bookshelf! so this seemed the perfect little digi to pop on a bookmark to add to my collection

I have coloured in using my promarkers, colours used are

Chestnut, burnt orange, orange, mandarin, mango and warm greys, 5,4,2,1, then using a fine line black pen I've added some spider webs and spiders!

Now onto the HOP!

I have the pleasure of being the Host this month, so you will have hopped on over to me via our fabulus blog, and so I will now send you "Hopping on your way over to my very talented DT buddy Dawn

We are only a 2 strong team at the moment....(plans are in action so watch this space) so we do thank you very much for joining our teeny tiny hop this month!

and please please do drop a comment as you hop through, we always have a couple of spot prizes up for grabs!

happy craeting

Nicole

xxx

Step by Step For Vintage Christmas Game In Crafters Inspiration 5 Project

Good evening my lovelies!! It is quite late in my craft room this evening, but I simply must blog my FIRST of 3 games I very proudly made for the latest edition of Crafters Inspiration 5 magazine for Crafters Companion. When the girls on the design team were asked to submit ideas for the upcoming Christmas edition I decided to delve back into the days when I used to work in pre-school and designed 3 children's games, well you can imagine how OVER THE MOON I was, when I was chosen to be one of the DT gals to make my projects for the magazine! just amazing! ...now to turn my ideas into the REAL thing!, armed with lots of doodles and scibbles, from what I wanted to create, I set to making my first game

The Snowman Run Home For Christmas Game!

Now if you have the magazine you will see the finished piece, but here on my blog I can go into lots more detail and give you the step by step pictures in case you would like to give it go!

To make this game I used a graphic programme, for me, I mainly use My Craft Studio, its a brilliant programme, but you can just as easily use Serif, or Docrafts digital designer.( if you DONT use graphic programmes don't despair!! as long as you can print out the elements you can still make this game just tweak it for you!)

 

import your chosen backing paper into a graphic programme and re size to 14.5 x 21.5 cm then using a 2.5cm round digital punch, mark out your spaces, I've made 43 with the HOME circle being larger. Number all your spaces, but make sure you number every now and then in RED- ( land on a red number turn over a forfeit card! ) up to you how many red ones you choose to have!

 

NEXT- take 3 pieces of Crafters Companion Kraft card measuring 2 at 16.5 x 22.5 cm- score both of these at 15 cm to give you a 1.5 cm lip, and your 3rd piece needs to measure 15 x 22.5 cm- NO LIP on this one as it is the end piece.
Distress all the edges front and back  ( its a VINTAGE game after all!)  i've used Tim Holtz Walnut Stain, then using CC Red liner tape along both lips, join your 3 pieces together to make a tri folding board. 

Next take your 3 front panels, distress also and secure to your board base using collall tacky glue...its all starting to come together now!!

 time to decorate!! 

 Print off a selection of toppers and run them through an embossing machine with the Crafters Companion folder Softly Falling

Distress them and glue into place on your board

FORFEIT CARDS! Here is where you can let your imagination run wild and have fun!

Take the post cards from your free cd rom and pop into your graphic programme, re size them, mine are A7 but its totally up to you its YOUR game, type on to each one your chosen forfeit, print and cut out

Distress the edge of each one, and then to line the back to not only make them pretty but also sturdy, emboss some Kraft card and glue each forfeit card to it, then cut each one out ( much easier than trying to back each piece!)

Voila! Forfeit cards! How fab are these!! Next you need playing pieces, here is where your fabulous free die comes in!

cut as many players as you would like to have, I've made a simple semi circular base with a couple of slits to make them slot together to stand, then decorate each a different colour, so you know whose piece is who!

To finish off I have taken some Core'dinations cards stock, embossed with Softly falling snow and lined the back of my board,

the final piece is to make your spinner! or if you prefer you could use some dice, I made a simple spinner using elements from the cd rom and a small wooden dowel, 

No game would be complete with out a box!, again using some CC Kraft card, and my boxer board i made a box to fit my game, distressing the edges

 

I printed a piece of lovely vintage paper to decorate my lid that I embossed and glittered, then made a topper with my board name on!

 I embossed more Core'dinations card stock to line the inside, then I printed out my game instructions, and secured them inside my box lid,

A Simple Die'Sire Snowflake die and some lashing of glitter to decorate

and there you go! One Vintage Snowman Game!, you can make your game as BIG as you like, maybe I'll try two pieces of A3 card next time with lots more forfeits too!

I have LOVED making this game i really did enjoy it, and I hope maybe you will give it a try!, with two more games to come I hope you will pop back this week to take a look at them!

Happy creating

Nicole

xxx

October Challenge over at Crafters Companion

Hi crafters !! Head on over to the Crafters Companion face book page just  HERE!! and join in with this months brand new October challenge to win £30 worth of fabulous vouchers!!!

Our theme this month is "Buttons and Bows" ...or why not both!

here is my design team card for this challenge...

I have used an extremely CUTE image from the Crafters Companion CD rom Makey Bakey Mice, then a simple paper bow with a pretty pink button centre and a few highlights of glitter! I do love these little mice, and I have to admit this is my first make using them!

Thanks for stopping by and i hope you will pop along and join us this month!

crafty hugs

Nicole

xxx

Crafting Musketeers Challenge # 18- Autumn Colours

Hi crafters!! We have a BRAND NEW challenge out now over at the Crafting Musketeers!!

This months challenge is number 18 and we have the theme of " Autumn Colours" which is just perfect for this time of year dont you think?

Autumn is my favourite season! I just love watching the autumn leaves start to change colour, the wind gets that bit more blustery and the nights slowly start to draw in, I think its a beautiful season!

Our fabulous sponsor this month is Hobby House and we have a lovely £10 voucher up for grabs!! So get out your craft stash and come and join us!, here is my Design Team card this month...

I have chosen to use the most lovely Autumn image from one of the Crafters Companion CD Roms, Brambly Hedge Winter. I LOVE It!, quite simple, with one of the coordinatiung background papers in such lovely oranges, browns and yellow tomes. I popped on to google and searched for an Autumn poem, to use too, then mat and layered onto some lovely burnt oange card, some ribbon, and to finish off I punched some maple leaves using a Woodware punch.

so now its your turn!

there are only a few rules to follow and I'm sure you know them by now :) 

1. One entry per person

2. your project must follow the theme

3.You must be a blog follower to win the prize

4.Please claim your prize within 7 days or the winner will be re drawn

5.We are happy for you to link our challenge with as many others as you wish to enter

6.You do not need to have a blog..simply enter over at our face book page just ...HERE!

once again I look forward to seeing all your creations this month so please  do come and join us!!!!

Love n Hugs

Nicole

xxx

La Pashe- Orienteering Decoupage

Good evening guys and gals!!! I hope you are all fabulous? Well on this not so nice dark and dreey wet evening I find myself in my beeeeeautiful carft room! Music playing with lots of crafty projects on the go, but first to share a design team card for

La Pashe

The new range of Mens Hobbies decoupage sheets are totally fantastic! This one here is called Orienteering and you can pick up the single sheet just  HERE! but they are all fabulous!! so why not pick up the whole set!!?? its a no brainer really crafters. The one type of card we always seem to struggle with is .....cards for men! we shudder at the thought....as soon as we get asked for a card for a fella we are stumped! why? well me personally I think its because we cant pretty it up? no ribbons or glitter....flower or sparkles, so there always looks like something is...missing, but  ( she says with a sly smile) I have never had that problem :) you see La Pashe have ALWAYS had an amazing array of designs for men, I proudly have all their Cd's so....trust me crafters I know what I'm waffling about! From the flippin men range , to the wrinklies, from gardening., motorcycling fishing and pets!, from police men to ambulance drivers....even the "White van " man's got a decoupage sheet! La Pashe have never failed us, and here they are yet again with a brilliant collection of mens hobbies!

I hope you like my card this evening and will check out the website, there is some wonderful foiled die cut Christmas now available too!!

happy creating!

Nicole

xxx

Pretty in Pink!- Save the Date Cards

Good evening all!!

Phew..its been a busy week in my craft room! I have just finished making these lovely 4 x 4 inch Save The Date cards for the very very lovely Jo! ( who is a SUPER organised bride i'll have you know!)

 

I absolutely loved making these, I think they are so very pretty! Jo has a lovely colour scheme for her wedding,next year, and when she came to see me, armed with her wedding planner ...well it just blew me away! it is so exciting to see someone who is so happy and excited for their BIG day. Jo's planner was AMAZINGLY ORGANISED!! it was lovely to look through it, with all her ideas and pictures, she decided to pick one of the pale pinks from her colour scheme to use on all her wedding stationery

 

I used an Ivory Linen card for the main base, printing the wording with a coordinating pink font, but in a deeper shade, and then embossed pale pink card for the bottom section, using some beautiful shimmery pink organza ribbon, to wrap around the centre and make the bows

then two tiny diamantes for either side of the happy couples names to finish.

 I hope you like them! and luckily for me so did Jo when she collected them this morning!

thank you as always for stopping by to take a look at my post, i really LOVE it when you do!

Nicole

xxx